The verse that gives the kedushah its name is the famous proclamation of Isaiah: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts (ad-nai tzevaot), the whole earth is full of G-d’s glory.”
Considering how important this verse is, we would expect its meaning to be clear. But what, exactly, are “hosts”?
The answer is deliciously complicated. Clearly, the word is related to “tzava”, meaning “army.” This is the same word used today in Israel. It appears that the word originally referred to the divine retinue of angelic beings. When Joshua meets one, he is told “I am captain of the Lord’s host (tzva-hashem).” “Tzva” is the singular of “tzvaot,” which we translate as “hosts.”
But the word came to be associated with the vast array of stars, traditionally seen as semi-divine, “intelligences,” or powers which could influence the world. Hence the ubiquitous expression “mazel tov.” A “mazel” is a constellation, and a “mazel tov” is literally the equivalent of being under a good astrological sign. (“This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius…”).
And finally, the term refers to us, G-d’s followers, who serve as “the divine army.” “Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for battle! Arouse the warriors! Let all the fighters come and draw near!” (Joel 4:9).
The interweaving of angel, star, and person is extensive. Even to this day, a time of disenchantment, when all magic and mystery has supposedly left the world, we refer to a popular singer as a “star;” and someone who helps us is “an angel.” Examples abound (consider, for instance, Joni Mitchell, a rock star who sings like an angel).
And perhaps that is why we say “holy, holy, holy (kadosh kadosh kadosh) is Ad-nai tzevaot.”
G-d is holy in the spiritual realm. G-d is holy in the natural realm. And G-d is holy in the heart of humankind.
The whole earth is indeed full of G-d’s glory.
Rabbi Robert L. Wolkoff